Spinal Procedures and Progress

Since my arrival I’ve had four spinal procedures, three intravenous infusions, and twice daily stem cell injections.My sister Michele nursed me through the two most difficult ones:Lumbar Puncture below my level of injury; and then a Thoracic Puncture at my injury site (T11-12) combined with an Epidural Catheter Procedure.During Mum’s visit I had the most painful procedure ever:two Deep Spinal Muscle injections into the thoracic area above my bra line.My muscles on either side of my spine and scapular cramped so badly with excruciating pain that if I knew prior to the injections I would have said that the pain was truly unbearable.With some deep breaths I withstood the pain.Tears filled my eyes and rolled onto the pillow.I winced with each injection.Within ten to fifteen minutes the pain had dissipated almost completely.

The most recent and easiest procedure was a Caudal that was conducted in the OT of the newer hospital at Green Park yesterday.Stem cells were injected into the bundle of spinal nerve roots known as the cauda equina below the first lumbar vertebra.Like the rest, this procedure went smoothly with only a hint of pain in comparison to the previous one.I’ve learned to love my pain, embracing it with golden or white healing light from a divine life force.My mind’s eye sees myself healing with an inexplicable vibrational energy that I imagine is transcended through the embryonic stem cells, mother earth, and the heavens above.

Since beginning this fourth hESC treatment, I have shown noticeably stronger leg movements and I am able to void my bladder and use my bowels with less effort and pressure.My endurance when walking in leg braces has increased—I even took a little stroll outside the hospital on a busy street.I was honked at many times.While I knew the honking was a signal for me to get out of the way, I imagined each car, taxi, tuk-tuk, truck or motorcycle blowing their horn in celebration, cheering me on saying, “You go girl.Awesome.You can do it!”

I am aware that this treatment is slow and takes time to work in my body.I will reap the benefits perhaps a month or two from now when these little babies are gestating and coming alive.I am patient.I am on a phenomenal journey…and I am grateful beyond words.I keep my attitude, my faith, and my belief.My indomitable spirit will never cease to push forward with grace and determination.I can do it.I AM doing it.I am living my dream.

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My History, My Story

On February 27, 1992 at the age of 24 I sustained a complete spinal cord injury at T11/12 (that is, no feeling or sensation at thoracic vertebra 11 & 12). I am able to recall the accident vividly in my mind's eye to this very day. I was downhill skiing. Everything happened in slow motion. A freak somersault and in a split second I shattered four vertebrae. It was as though somebody turned off a light switch. An electric current zapped through my legs and in an instant there was nothing.

15 1/2 Years with No Changes…

I have always been an active woman. For 15 1/2 years I sort out various alternative healing therapies yet I showed no improvement. Early on I tried standing tall in leg braces, but my efforts proved fruitless, plus I had a couple of horrible falls. Sitting simply became more functional. In August 2000 I was the recipient of the Vocare Bladder Implant, which helped me void my bladder using electrical stimulation. For 15 1/2 years I kept my legs supple and alive with various alternative healing therapies, yet I showed no improvement. I was paralyzed with no sensation or movement from the top of my pubic bone down. While I arrived at a place of acceptance with my paralysis, I have always had an uncanny insight that one magical day my legs would support me. Secretly, I never gave up hope.

HOPE Restored!

While my spinal cord injury took away my ability to walk, it didn't take away my ability to dream. TODAY I am turning my dream into my reality one baby step at a time.
On June 25, 2007 I was the first US Citizen to undergo Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) Therapy with Dr. Geeta Shroff in Delhi, India.
During my initial two month visit, I not only witnessed astounding improvements in my own body, but with many patients who have life restored within their bodies and a newfound reason to not give up but LIVE!

New Sensations, New Muscle Power–I Am Defying the Odds!

I am compelled to share my experiences with the world. Since my first stem cell treatment in 2007, and after 15 1/2 years of being in a wheelchair I now have increased sensation with light touch and with deep sensation tingling all the way to my toes; my bladder and bowels are beginning to function again; and I have increased muscle power in my legs including gluteal muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors and abductors, and a flicker in my calf muscles too. Hope is now a part of my vocabulary!